FormBook redirect removal instructions

What is FormBook?

FormBook is a virus designed to steal personal data from victims' computers. Research shows that this malware is distributed using spam emails that contain malicious attachments. In addition, developers provide this virus as a 'service' - any aspiring cyber criminal can pay a subscription and gain access to the FormBook tool. The list of victims is large, however, most FormBook infections have been detected in USA and South Korea.

Screenshot of a spam email distributing FormBook virus:

Following infiltration, FormBook starts monitoring computer activity and gathers data. This malware records keystrokes, takes screenshots, and grabs other information such as visited websites, clipboard data, saved logins/passwords, etc. The information often includes personal details (e.g., banking information) that FormBook's distributor can misuse to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of this malware can lead to significant financial losses and serious privacy issues. In addition, FormBook is capable of executing commands sent from remote Command and Control (C&C) servers. For example, the commands are able to reboot and shutdown the system, download various files/archives and run/extract them, and so on (full list of features). In this way, criminals can perform remote tasks, leading to other high-risk computer infections or system corruption (e.g., criminals might download and execute ransomware). FormBook malware must be eliminated immediately. If you have recently opened suspicious email attachments and believe that your system is infected, use a legitimate anti-virus suite to perform a full system scan and eliminate all threats. In fact, you are strongly advised to have one installed and running. This will help to prevent further infections.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

FormBook shares similarities with a number of other malware infections such as Adwind. Most are developed by different cyber criminals and have slightly differing functionality. In general, however, they are more or less identical. These viruses typically record user-system information, open backdoors for other high-risk malware to infiltrate the system, misuse system resources to mine cryptocurrency, or run other unwanted processes (e.g., Botnet). The presence of these viruses might cause various problems including (but not limited to) system corruption, hardware damage, file loss, and privacy issues (e.g., identity theft).

How did adware install on my computer?

As mentioned above, FormBook is promoted using spam emails that contain messages relating to various business fields (e.g., engineering). These messages briefly describe the contents of malicious attachments (e.g., PDF file, MS Office document, or similar) and encourage users to open them. Opening them, however, executes scripts that stealthily download and install malware. This distribution method is very popular amongst ransomware developers. Many regular users (especially those who know little about cyber security) are often tricked into downloading and opening such attachments.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. If you want to prevent infections, be very cautious when browsing the Internet. We strongly advise you to think twice before opening email attachments - be sure that they are sent from trustworthy/recognizable addresses and that they are relevant. Messages received via suspicious email addresses should be deleted immediately, without reading. Spam email is not the only way to proliferate malware. Therefore, be cautious when downloading/installing software. Download applications from official sources only, using direct download links. Criminals monetize third party downloaders/installers by proliferating rogue apps, and thus, these tools should not be used. During downloading/installation, carefully analyze each step (especially "Custom/Advanced" settings) and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. We also advise to keep installed applications up-to-date and, again, use a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite. Note, however, that criminals proliferate malware via fake updaters, so use implemented update functions only. As with download/installation tools, third party updaters should never be used. The key to computer safety is caution.

Another variant of spam email distributing FormBook:

List of FormBook's actions that can triggered using C&C server:

Clear browser cookies

Collect passwords and create a screenshot

Download and execute file

Download and unpack ZIP archive

Launch a command via ShellExecute

Reboot system

Remove bot from host system

Shutdown system

Update bot on host system

Instant automatic removal of FormBook malware:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Spyhunter is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of FormBook malware. Download it by clicking the button below:▼ DOWNLOAD SpyhunterBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the formbook malware, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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